Moving decoy and method

Abstract

A moving decoy is provided. The decoy is connected to a actuator which causes the decoy to pivot. When positioned on the surface of a body of water, the decoy is capable of mimicking the movements of a live animal.

What is claimed is: 
     
       1. A waterfowl attraction apparatus, comprising:
 a decoy having opposite first and second ends; 
 a support pivotally connected to the decoy; 
 an actuator operatively associated with the decoy and disposed outside the decoy; 
 a flexible actuator line connecting the actuator to the decoy; 
 an electric power supply for powering the actuator; and 
 an electronic controller for controlling the pivotal movement caused by the actuator; 
 the actuator being operable upon activation to cause pivotal movement of the decoy by pulling the actuator line; 
 the support attached to the decoy at a first position spaced from a second position where the actuator line is attached to the decoy; 
 the actuator comprising an electric submersible pump and a piston connected to the actuator line. 
 
     
     
       2. The waterfowl attraction apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the electric power supply and the electronic controller are housed in the decoy. 
     
     
       3. The waterfowl attraction apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the electronic controller comprises an electronic timing circuit. 
     
     
       4. The waterfowl attraction apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the actuator is mounted on the support. 
     
     
       5. The waterfowl attraction apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the support comprises telescopic sections. 
     
     
       6. The waterfowl attraction apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the actuator is operatively associated with the decoy to cause pivotal movement of the decoy by a sufficient degree to permit the head to submerge into the water. 
     
     
       7. The waterfowl attraction apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the actuator is operatively associated with the decoy to cause pivotal movement of the decoy by a sufficient degree to permit the head of the decoy to rise above the tail. 
     
     
       8. The waterfowl attraction apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein a plurality of decoys are arrayed in proximity, each of the decoys being actuable pursuant to an actuation sequence unique to the associated decoy. 
     
     
       9. The waterfowl attraction apparatus of  claim 1 , further comprises a cable encasing at least one electrical wire electrically connecting the electric power supply to the actuator. 
     
     
       10. The waterfowl attraction apparatus of  claim 1 , further comprising a cable encasing at least one electrical wire electrically connecting the power supply to the electrical submersible liquid pump. 
     
     
       11. The waterfowl attraction apparatus of  claim 1 , further comprising a switch for activating the controller; the switch is mounted to the decoy and is electrically connected to the electric power supply and to the electronic controller. 
     
     
       12. A method of attracting waterfowl, comprising the steps of:
 placing the waterfowl attraction apparatus of  claim 1  in a body of water, and 
 activating the actuator and thereby causing the decoy to pivot and to submerge at least one end of the decoy into the body of water. 
 
     
     
       13. The method of  claim 12 , including the step of:
 Activating the actuator in accordance with a predetermined actuation sequence.